The knockouts are still happening, people. We’ll go live eventually. (But please, no more extra rounds next season.)

Lina Gaudenzi (“I’d Rather Go Blind”) vs. Preston Pohl (“No Woman, No Cry”): Lina goes with a great song, but I can’t get over her Taylor Swift-ish outfit. She does a pretty good job with the song and gives it some modern edge. And then Preston, our Hallettsville boy, opens his mouth and the first note and done. He’s just a really unique, engaging, terrific singer and interpreter. Adam chooses Preston. Duh.

E.G. Daily (“I Can’t Make You Love Me”) vs. Ray Boudreaux (“Hard to Handle”): I like E.G. but this is just … zzzzz. Not the best song choice. I’m not crazy about Ray’s selection, either. It’s way safe. But he at least gives it some energy. And it’s a better fit for his voice. Blake chooses Ray.

Anthony Paul (“The Other Side”) vs. Jacquie Lee (“Stompa”): Another odd song choice. Anthony gives himself no challenges with this Jason DeRulo song. And because it’s so stylized, he struggles with key. Jacquie comes out swinging with a more interesting song and delivery. They both have confidence issues, but she’s clearly the winner here. Lots of potential. Christina chooses Jacquie.

Stephanie Anne Johnson (“Don’t Know Why”) vs. Tamara Chauniece (“No One”): I like Stephanie’s vibe but am NOT feeling this song. It’s pure coffeehouse background noise. She’s better than this. I sort of feel the same about Tamara. There’s talent there, but this feels overly mature. Like a hotel lounge performance. CeeLo chooses Tamara. Christina steals back Stephanie after cutting her in an earlier round.

James Wolpert (“More Than a Feeling”) vs. Juhi (“Heard it Through the Grapevine”): I initially liked James, but this performance is odd. The song and suit and expressions. It’s just not coming together. I’m not sure what type of artist he wants to be through this performance. Juhi has given a clear look at who she is from her first audition. I get it and what she does and what she’s about. And I love the snap-crackle-soul-pop in her voice. She’s also much more effortless in her performance. Adam chooses James.

Austin Jenckes (“I’ll Be”) vs. Brandon Chase (“Even if it Breaks Your Heart”): Neither of these song choices is exactly adventurous. Austin just plays it way safe. And Brandon has pitch issues. Neither of these guys seems likely to go much further. Blake chooses Austin.

Caroline Pennell (“The Way I Am”) vs. George Horga, Jr. (“Because of You”): Caroline is one of the requisite quirky girls here, but there’s a sweet tone to her voice that demands attention. It’s just pleasant to listen to. George has some charisma, but he goes flat, and you can see him thinking at times. CeeLo chooses Caroline. CeeLo chooses Caroline.

Matthew Schuler (“Cosmic Love”) vs. Will Champlin (“When I Was Your Man”): Matthew has a unique tone and approach to music. He comes on really strong at times, but there’s no denying his power. Will does a good job but is just no match. He’s simply overshadowed. Christina chooses Matthew. Adam steals back Will.